Protective Sport Glove

ABSTRACT

An armored protective sport glove for use in historical-type armed combat having an underlying durable flexible glove with extending cuff having rivets and washers. A contoured armored backplate with padded underlayment is attached to the underlying glove, the backplate connecting with underlying material strips which over and along the back of the fingers and thumb providing connections for overlapping finger and thumb plates which flare at the knuckles and wrap exposed portions of the hand and thumb. The contoured overlapping plates and underlying material connection strips connected with one another and to the underlying glove at specific positions allowing for increased mobility and ease of replacement of worn or broken materials. Fingertip protection is increased by use of soft durable connection means decreasing the risk of smashed or pinched fingertips. Pivot points at the wrist increase mobility at the wrist and thumb.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to U.S. provisional application62/501,608 filed May 4, 2017 by the present inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention provides hand protection and is designed for usein Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) or Western Martial Arts(WMA).

2. Discussion of the State of the Art

Historically, gloves used in armored combat involving swords and otherimplements such as those used by Japanese samurai during the Heianperiod (years 794-1185 A.D.) or those used by the European knights ofthe late Middle Ages were constructed from tough hides or leather withoverlapping metal scales or plates attached thereon using rivets orbraided cords made of hide or silk. Wrist guards extended from the gloveportions upwards toward the elbow. While these gloves were designed toprotect the user during armed combat (such as wielding swords, malletsand other combat implements), they were also designed to allow thewearer to perform related tasks such as handling horses and themselves(such as handling buckles, straps, ladders, buckets and other non-combattools). The costs and time associated with fabrication dictated amulti-use glove that in some ways compromised protection during combatto allow for diversification of use. Modern fighting gloves used forHEMA or WMA tournaments and competitions utilize modern materials suchas braided nylon, durable plastics and other synthetics that are easierand less costly to work with. While these prior art modern fightingglove designs tend to follow historical design approaches in terms ofcontour and plating attachment in order to retain the look of thehistorical designs, they create similar compromises in terms ofprotective coverage of the wearer as their historical predecessors. Theyare similar to the protective fighting gloves of the past which in manyways compromised protection and comfort in order to allow fordiversification of use when, in fact, modern combat tournaments do notrequire use of gloves for anything other than holding weapons. Otherdrawbacks of modern protective gloves is that there is no easy way toremove and replace worn undergloves without removing and reattachingeach individual protective plate. Further, the protective plates ofmodern prior art gloves do not allow for mobility because they areconnected individually and directly to the underlying glove. What isneeded is a modern protective fighting glove that looks historical incharacter but which provides improved protection and comfort to thoseareas of the hand and wrist which may be exposed during combativepractice or high intensity combat competition and which allows for easyreplacement of the underlying glove and/or individual protective plateswithout having to remove and reattach the entire plate assembly piece bypiece.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modern fighting protective glove foruse in historical type fighting competitions which utilizes modernmaterials to provide increased protection and comfort for the userduring armed combat. Wrist mobility is increased by use of a flexiblecuff having individual washers which protect against slicing blows andwhich dissipate energy away from the center of the blow. Fingertipprotection is increased by utilizing soft but durable connection meanswhich decreases the risk of smashing or pinching fingers. A contouredarmored backplate with padded underlayment is utilized to provided backof the hand protection connecting with underlying material strips whichextend along the fingers and thumb to allow for connection of protectiveplates thereto and minimal connections to underlying glove thusincreasing mobility and ease of replacing the glove and individualplates without removing and reattaching the armor plates piece by piece.Use of pivot points at the wrist increases thumb, finger and wristmobility. Contoured overlapping armor plates which flare at the knucklesand wrap those portions of the side of the hand and thumb areas whichare exposed to injury during combat greatly increase the overallprotective utility of the glove without detracting from its historicallybased design and appeal. Overall, the novel protective sport gloveprovides superior protection, comfort, and mobility over historical andmodern designs, while allowing the user to easily remove and replaceworn or broken elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a right side perspective view of an embodiment of theProtective Sport Glove consistent with the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 shows a left side perspective view of the embodiment of theProtective Sport Glove shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the protective plates and underlyingattachment strip including attachment locations covering the indexfinger and pinky finger portions of the embodiment of the ProtectiveSport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the protective plates and underlyingattachment strip including attachment locations covering the thumbportion of the embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIGS.1-2.

FIG. 5 shows an underside (palm side) perspective view of the embodimentof the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 shows a topside (back of the hand) perspective view of theembodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIG. 1-5.

FIG. 7 shows a left side perspective view of an alternative embodimentof the Protective Sport Glove.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of the protective plates and underlyingattachment strip including attachment locations covering the indexfinger portion of the alternative embodiment of the Protective SportGlove shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of the protective plates and underlyingattachment strip including attachment locations covering the thumbportion of the alternative embodiment of the Protective Sport Gloveshown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 shows top side perspective view of the underlying glove withmaterial strips including attachment locations for the thumb and fingersplates for the embodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIGS.1-6.

FIG. 11 shows a front side perspective view with fingers curled of theembodiment of the Protective Sport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 12 show a left top side perspective view of the Sport Glove shownin FIGS. 1-6 worn by a user holding a sword.

FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram of steps for attaching protectiveplates on the embodiment of the Sport Glove shown in FIGS. 1-6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments consistent with the principles of the invention willnow be described. The following description provides specific detailsfor a thorough understanding and enabling description of theseembodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that theinvention may be practiced without many of these details. Additionally,some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described indetail so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant descriptionof the various embodiments. The protective sport glove described hereinis designed for combat sports utilizing a variety of weapon implementsand their equivalents which are known in the combat arts.

The terminology used in the description presented below is intended tobe interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner even though it is beingused in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specificembodiments of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasizedbelow; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in anyrestricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such inthis detailed description section.

Where context permits, singular or plural terms may also include theplural or singular term, respectively. Moreover, unless the word “or” isexpressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the otheritems in a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such alist is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list,(b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of items in thelist.

FIG. 1 is a right side (pinky side) perspective view of a right handglove embodiment of the present invention showing A) a cuff section 21for protection of the user's wrist and lower forearm adjacent the wristand B) an armored glove section having a main body (or hand) portionprotecting the palm, sides, and back of the user's hand. The handportion is integral with four extending finger portions and a thumbportion, the finger and thumb portions extending away from the handportion to a closed tip. Together, the hand and finger/thumb portionsmake up the underlying glove. It is noted that the figures describedherein 1 depict a glove to be worn on the user's right hand. The lefthand glove of the embodiments shown are mirror images.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cuff section 21 is open at one end to allow theuser to insert his/her hand into the glove and is connected with thehand portion of the glove at the other end. The location of theconnection between cuff and hand approximates the location of the user'swrist when worn. The cuff section has a smaller circumference at theconnection with the hand portion of the glove than at the open end toaccommodate protective materials and/or clothing worn over the forearm.As shown, the cuff section 21 has a multiplicity of rivets 19interspaced in a regular pattern along and around the circumference ofthe cuff. The rivets 19 serve to hold fender washers 20 which are shownon the Figs. in dotted lines indicating they are not visible from theoutside surface (as they are positioned between two cuff layers asdescribed below) and these washers 20 function as additional protectiondissipate the force and otherwise protect the wrist and forearm fromslashing blows by a sword or other implement from cutting the cuff orotherwise bruising the user's wrist. In alternative embodiments, thewashers may be positioned using alternative attachment means such assewing and in some embodiments the washers are simply held in positionby being sandwiched between the upper and lower layers of the cuff.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cuff section 21 is constructed oftwo layers of 4-6 ounce leather sewn together and having 1.0″ and 1.25″steel fender washers 20 attached to the leather by rivets 19. The fenderwashers 20 serve to disperse impact of blows made to the user's wristand/or forearm. The fender washers 20 are aligned in a loose “fishscale” pattern to allow the cuff to conform to an under jacket worn bythe user and to provide additional protection. The fender washers 20provide hardened protection against blows caused by steel practiceweapons, and in the event of sharp edges both the leather and steelwashers serve to minimize any abrasions to the user's forearm. Inalternative embodiments, materials other than steel can be used to formthe fender washers 20 (such as, for example, other types of metal,plastic, and composites) which materials are known in the industry andare also lightweight, durable, moldable and which can be placed on orbetween layers of the cuff to prevent slashing and disperse impact.Alternative embodiments may substitute other protective materials, suchas vulcanized rubber, high density foam, or other semi-rigid materialsfor the fender washers 20 so long these alternative materials serve todiminishes impact or slashes to the cuff and wrist area of the wearer.As shown, the washers are of uniform size and shape but alternativeembodiments may utilize washers of differing shape and sizes.Thicknesses of these materials will affect both protection and weightand, as such, larger lighter weight materials may be interspersed withsmaller heavier but more durable materials to maximize comfort,protection and pliability. In the present embodiment, the cuff sectionis made of leather. In alternative embodiments, the cuff section may bemade of other durable and pliable materials known in the art such asdenim, heavy canvas, slash resistant cotton such as found in kitchenprotective cutting gloves, Kevlar, and other nylon fabric materials.

Looking at FIG. 1, rivets 19 serve to attach the fender washers 20 tothe cuff section as well as the protective plates to back of the hand,fingers and thumb of the glove section. These rivets 19 may be made ofsteel double cap rivets, solid copper and burrs, steel with burr rivets,or even sewing in place a “French” knot in the eye of the washer toconnect the inner and outer cuff materials. Alternatively, the fenderwashers 20 and protective plates can be fastened with the cuff andarmored glove sections by other methods known in the industry such asstitching, industrial strength glue, ultra-sonic welding two materialstogether.

The armored glove section is made up of an underlying leather glove 18having hand, finger, and thumb portions as well as armored platescovering the dorsal sides of the hand, finger and thumb portions. Insome instances, the plates contour and wrap around the sides of thehand. In a preferred embodiment, the underlying leather glove 18 is madeof full grain leather but may alternatively be made of other strong,flexible, and light materials known in the art such as Kevlar and whichare preferably slash proof rated materials. In a preferred embodiment,the underlying glove is made from deer tanned leather which is bothsupple and durable against abrasion caused by repeated abrasivemovements caused by the handling of steel weapons and other weapons orimplements regularly used in martial arts practice and competition.

As shown in FIG. 1, the underlying glove 18 has numerous protectiveplates (or plated armor) positioned at the dorsal side of the hand,finger and thumb portions of the of the glove section. In someinstances, these plates wrap around the sides of the hand, fingers andthumbs. These plates include A) the shaped backplate 22 covering thedorsal side of the hand portion and protecting the metacarpal bones andmetacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) of the user; B) the proximal phalangeplates 12 serving to cover the proximal phalanges of the user which arelocated closest to the knuckle connecting the back of the hand to thefingers; C) the medial (middle) phalanges plates 13 and 16 serving toprotect the medial phalanges and the 1^(st) interphalangeal joints (IP)between proximal and medial phalanges of the user; and D) the finger-tipmolded plates 14 serving to protect the distal phalanges and finger tipsof the user.

In a preferred embodiment, a layer of ⅛″ closed cell foam (not shown) isincluded between the backplate 22 and the dorsal hand portion of theunderlying glove 18 which serves to deaden any impact received from ablow to the backplate so that the full impact of a blow is nottransferred directly to the back of the underlying leather glove anduser's hand. In alternative embodiments, the additional or substitutematerials may be used for this purpose such as several layers of Kevlar,natural wool or synthetic felt material, rubber padding or similarmaterial known in the art. Again, FIG. 1 does not show the layer ofclosed cell foam which is covered by the backplate 22. In alternativeembodiments, the undersurface of the back plate could be made of arubber, silicone, cotton padding or other force dampening material knownin the art.

Looking at FIG. 1, one will note that the backplate 22 is contoured tothe back of the hand and flares upward where it extends approximately aquarter of an inch (V) over that portion of the cuff at the connection(seam) between the underlying glove and the cuff. This upward flaringportion of the backplate 22 allows increased range of motion at thewrist and causes blows implements moving in a direction from finger tocuff to glance away from the wrist section of the user. At the opposite(or front) end, the backplate 22 is molded to fit over the MCP joints ofthe user. As shown in FIG. 1, the backplate 22 is attached to the dorsalhand portion of the underlying glove 18 by three centrally spaced rivets10. In alternative embodiments, attachment fasteners such as screws,stitching and nut/bolt combinations may be used as a substitute forrivets 10. At the front edge of the backplate 22 are four rivets 11(three of which are visible on FIG. 1) centrally spaced adjacent thefront edge of the backplate 22 covering the user's MCP joints. Thesefour rivets 11 serve to connect four strips of material 17 eachextending from the front edge bottom surface of the backplate to the tipof each finger and upon which are mounted the smaller overlappingprotective plates including the phalange plates 12 serving to cover theproximal phalanges of the user, the knuckle phalanges plates 13 and 16serving to protect the proximal phalanges and 1^(st) interphalangealjoints between proximal and middle phalanges of the user and finger-tipmolded plates 14 serving to protect the distal phalanges and finger tipsof the user. Note that in alternative embodiments, alternativeattachment fasteners known in the industry may be substituted for rivets11. In alternative embodiments, more than one rivet 11 may be utilizedfor each finger.

The backplate 22 and phalanges plates (respectively 12, 13, 16 and 14)are preferably made from moldable ABS plastic (approximately ⅛″ thick)that may be vacuum formed or injected molded to a shape that bothprovides extended protection as well as aesthetic design reminiscent ofhistorical armor. The compound curves of each of the phalange plateslocated at the knuckles (see 16 and 13 where they flare outward to agreater width) and near the wrist (see that portion of 22 marked as 8)provide structural strength to the form. The overhanging front edgeportion 9 of the backplate 22 flares upward slightly to allow the fingerattachments to better move as well as provide protection at thetransition gap between the front edge of the backplate 22 and the topedge of phalangeal plates 12 that is helpful in allowing increasedarticulation of the fingers. One will note that an extended portion 8 ofthe backplate 22 provides additional protection to the side of the handnear the pinky finger by wrapping around from the back of the hand tothe side of the palm. This extended portion 8 protects a vulnerable partof the hand extending from the dorsal side to the bottom of the palm atthe pinky side of the hand from impacts and slashes from weapons andapplicant believes this additional protection differentiates the presentinvention from the prior art. This extended portion 8 is designed sothat it is long enough to protect the dorsal portion of the bottom ofthe hand closest to the pinky, but does not impede the movement of auser's hand having a pommel of the weapon held by the user when the handis rotating and maneuvered during combat. The backplate 22 includingextended portion 8 does not fully surround the palm near the pinky. Ifthe extended portion 8 fully wrapped the bottom of the hand, a user'shand holding a pommel of a weapon would be pinched between the pommel ofthe weapon and the extended portion 8. In other words, extended portion8 projects around a portion of the bottom of the hand to provideprotection and alleviate a potential pinching hazard for the user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the phalanges plates 12, 13, 16, and 14 are a seriesof plates covering in overlapping fashion each finger and thumb from aposition adjacent to the front edge 9 of the backplate 22 over theindividual fingers to the finger-tips 14. The phalangeal plates 12 whichare closest to the front edge 9 of the backplate 22 are positioned suchthat the top edge of plates 12 fit under the front edge 9 of backplate22 and the bottom edge of plates 12 fit under the top edges of plates 13and 16, 1^(st) interphalangeal joints (IP), where the majority of thehand bends to close the hand.

With regard to attachment of the proximal phalange plates 12, each plateis attached by one rivet (see FIG. 3 item 35) to the underlying strip ofmaterial 17 for each finger assembly. A second rivet 36 in this plate12, which is positioned above the first rivet in the plate (see FIG. 3),passes through the plate 12, through the underlying strip of material 17and attaches with the finger portion of the underlying glove 18. Thisattachment secures the position of the entire finger assembly to the topof each finger portion of the underlying glove and providing sufficientprotection to a closed hand.

With regard to the knuckle (medial) phalange plates 13 of the middle andthird fingers, these two plates have less wrapping and are narrower thanthe knuckle phalanges plates 16 of the index and pinky fingers at theknuckle joint which allows for the proper spacing of both the fingersand the index and pinky fingers. Note that FIG. 1 shows knucklephalanges plate 16 at the pinky and FIG. 3 shows knuckle phalanges plate16 at the index Finger. This spacing allows for the fingers to fullyclose and stay relatively close to one another when the user's hand isin a fist grip, which spacing the applicant believes the prior art doesnot take into account. The applicant understands that some prior artembodiments have protective plate widths that force a larger spacing ofall four fingers and thus prevent the user from forming and/ormaintaining a tight, closed hand or fist. Too wide finger spacing causedby plates bumping against one another, as forced by the design of priorart, causes weakness to the user's grip. Alternatively, overly narrowplates create gaps allowing a weapon to strike between the fingers andcause injury. The knuckle plates 13 and 16 of the present inventionallow for extended protection without inhibiting a tight hand or fist byproviding protection to not only the main (first medial) knuckle on thefinger but also extend toward the knuckle of the distal phalange.

With regard to the knuckle (medial) phalanges plates 16 at the index andpinky fingers, the outside top side edges extend and wrap approximately½″ around the bottom outside edge of the first knuckle of the pinkyfinger (as shown in FIG. 1) and the top outside edge of the index fingerthus protecting these vulnerable areas of the fingers while maintainingfinger dexterity. Similarly, the top outside edge of the first knuckleportion of 16 at the pinky finger flares and wraps the inside portion ofthe knuckle and the bottom outside edge of the first knuckle portion 16of the index finger wraps the inside portion of the knuckle creating athree quarters wrapping 40 (also clearly shown on FIG. 3) at these pinkyand index knuckles. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the “three quarterswrapping” 40 on the knuckle portions of the pinky and index fingersprotect the outside edges of the finger where vulnerable when the handis both closed and slightly open, which can occur during sport fencing.These oversized knuckle wrappings need to have an extra rivet (orattachment) applied to the construction so that the knuckle gap ismitigated as much as possible. Thus, there is an extra rivet attachingplates 13 and 16 to the underlying strip material 17. One will note thatFIG. 3 showing plate 16 and wrapping section 40 accommodates an extrarivet 34. By contrast, plates 12 and 14 are attached to the underlyingmaterial strip 17 by a single rivet. In alternative embodiments,additional attachments may be made at 12 and 14 but are not required. Aspreviously stated, alternative attachment means known in the industrymay be utilized in lieu of rivets.

With regard to the attachment of the distal phalanges plates 14 (thefinger-tips), each of the four finger-tips are protected on the top,tip, and slightly on the descending sides of each finger. The distalphalange plates 14 can be manufactured by vacuum forming ABS althoughother methods for manufacture known in the industry, such as injectionmolding ABS, rotocasting with other polymers that might be more elasticto absorb impact, carbon fiber molded, or other forms of thermoplasticmolding may be utilized. The distal phalange plates 14 are connectedwith underlying strip of material and to the underlying glove for eachfinger (see rivets 25 on FIG. 3) at the upper middle portion of thephalange plate 14. The tip (bottom) portion of each distal phalangeplate 14 is also connected with the underlying glove. A preferred methodfor attachment of the tip portion to the glove is to sew the plate tipto the glove by utilizing small holes at the tip (see FIGS. 3 and 4,holes 15 and 23) allowing use of heavy upholstery waxed thread to attachat the tip edge portion of plate 14 and thread down through holes in thestrip material (see FIGS. 3 and 4, holes 38) thus securing the tipportion of the plate to the underlying glove without having to use aharder glue or rivet attachment means. This use of threaded connectionprovides a softer connection at the finger and thumb tips. Use of ametal attachment or other hardened material attachment would create ahazardous condition during combat where a smashing or crushing blowcould cause the finger-tip of the user to be smashed against a hardenedconnector or fastener. Also, the thread like material (whether it issynthetic sinew, cotton waxed thread, or other nylon cut-resistantthreading) will be softer than having a metal attachment point jamminginto the finger tips during normal use. This is a significantimprovement over prior art gloves utilizing mechanical attachingmethods, such as rivets, to attach plates directly to the underlyingglove. Such mechanical connections as the finger-tips can easily allowtransmission of impact shock through the glove to the highly sensitivefinger-tips of the user. Us of a hard rivet (or other mechanical means)at the finger-tips is also likely to cause pinching at the closed endsof the finger tips portion of the glove.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the finger-tips portion of each distalphalange plate 14 is sewn to the underlying glove 18 utilizing holes 15in plate 14 to anchor the thread to the plate 14. Attachment at thislocation insures proper placement of the finger protection. To rely onthe rivet-to-material-strip or rivet-to-glove connection at the uppermiddle portion of plate 14 would allow the finger-tips portion of plate14 to flap open and potentially catch on a held weapon or some othermaterial. In a preferred method of making the glove embodiments asshown, the two holes 15 are drilled through the ABS plate 14 allowingthe finger-tips portion to be connected to the underlying glove usingupholstery heavy waxed thread or other similar means known in the artensuring the integrity of the protection to the entire finger assembly.

FIG. 2 shows the left (or thumb) side view of the embodiment of theprotective sport glove shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the protective platesof the thumb are uniquely contoured and shaped to provide for increasedprotection and mobility of the thumb. The thumb protection platesinclude a thumb plate 29, a proximal phalange plate 26, and a distalphalange plate 39. The top edge of the thumb plate 29 extends over thefront edge of the cuff and the bottom edge of the thumb plate 29 extendsover the top edge of the proximal phalange plate 26.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the protective plates of the indexfinger and underlying attachment strip. FIG. 4 shows the protectiveplates covering the thumb and underlying strip. The attachment strip isa piece of material that sits between the protective plates and theunderlying glove. FIGS. 3 and 4 shown locations for rivets andattachments running to the strip and through the strip to the underlyingglove. Looking at FIG. 3, the index finger protective plates (12, 16,and 14) and underlying material strip 17 are shown. One should note thatthe protective plates of the index finger are the same as those of thepinky finger. The proximal phalange plate 12 has two rivet attachments35 and 36. The top rivet 36 extends through the underlying materialstrip 17 at hole 38 and attaches to the underlying glove as depicted bythe dotted arrows extending through the underlying strip 17. The bottomrivet 35 attaches with the material strip 17 and does not extend to theunderlying glove. The medial phalange plate 16 has three rivetattachments (including two at 34 and one at 33). The top two rivets 34extend to and attach with the underlying material strip 17 as depictedby dotted arrows extending to but not through the strip 17. The bottomrivet 33 extends through the underlying strip and attaches with theunderlying glove. The distal phalange plate has two rivet attachments 25which extend to and attach with the underlying strip at positions 38.They do not attach directly with the underlying glove. The rivets thatattach directly with the underlying glove are important for keeping theplates in position on the fingers as well as helping to control themovement of the plates relative to one another during use in that thefingers are allowed to bend normally while maintaining the correctposition of the plates so gaps exposing the underlying glove isminimized.

FIG. 4 shows detail of the three thumb protection plates withcorresponding underlying attachment material strip 37. Looking at FIG.4, the thumb plate 29 is secured with the cuff by several stitches ofthread tied with and extending through holes 32 located at the top edgeportion. FIG. 4 shows the use of four holes 32 for anchoring threadstitches located at the top edge portion of 29. However, alternativeembodiments could utilize fewer holes or use of differing strong butflexible attachment methods known in the industry. The stitched threadextends through the holes 32 and attaches with the cuff material 31(depicted in FIG. 4 as a rectangle for purposes of illustration only).The stitching and holes 32 are not shown in FIG. 2. The upper rivet 30of the thumb plate 29 attaches with the cuff material 31 while the lowerrivet 30 attaches with the strip of material 37 extending down thelength of the thumb between the protective plates and the underlyingglove. As shown in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 4, the rivets 30 of the thumbplate 29 are preferably made of copper (depicted in FIG. 4 as doublecircles for purposes of distinguishing it from the other rivets) as thislocation is a high stress point in the assembly and requires a strongerrivet attachment. Copper rivets are generally more durable than steelrivets. Alternative materials may be used in place of the steel andcopper rivets. The distinction between copper and steel is provided toindicate the importance of a durable connection at this location.

Again looking at FIG. 4, the distal phalange plate 39 which covers thedistal phalanges at the front and also extends around the sides of thethumb to more fully protect that area. Similarly, the proximal phalangesplate 26 has (similar to plate 16) a distinctly shaped extended outeredge wrap 40 protecting the knuckle without inhibiting mobility. Plate29 protects the metacarpal area of the thumb and partially extendsacross half the lower palm near the wrist. Plate 29 has a compound curvenearer to wrist area to allow for free range of motion of the thumbduring use. As shown, plate 29 is attached to the backplate 22 with asingle copper rivet 30 which attaches to the under material strip 31connected to the backplate 22 and stitched to the base of the thumbportion of the underlying glove near the wrist effectively protectingthe flexor polices brevis and abductor polices brevis muscles of thehand. This extended wrapped thumb plate 29 is also unique to the designof this glove as most gauntlet type prior art glove plates do not extend(i.e. wrap) far enough to provide maximum protection and/or are not apivoted joint plate as presented in the present invention whichmaximizes thumb mobility. One will note that the stitching whichconnects the distal phalange plate to the underlying glove occurs inthree places defined by holes 23 including the finger-tip, the top side(see FIG. 2 where this is shown) and the bottom side (see FIG. 4 wherethis is shown). In the preferred embodiment shown, the thread or similarattachment means is anchored to holes 23 and sewn directly to theunderlying glove without passing through the underlying material strip37 to the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, the sewingattachment extends through the underlying material strip 37. Inalternative embodiments, attachment other than use of thread can beused. However, such alternative attachment means must be soft enough toprevent the finger from being smashed against it during use. In analternative embodiment, the distal phalange plate extends entirelyaround the finger (in this case thumb) tip. The thumb flexes aroundduring use such that having only one connection (sewn) point to theoutside edge would create a situation where the plate could be easilyripped off of the underlying glove due to repeated stress. Three pointconnections at the outside edges of the finger distal phalange plates isnot necessary. Only the tip needs to be attached. But, in alternativeembodiments, the outside tip edges of the finger phalange plates areattached to the underlying glove at two or three points including tipand one or more sides.

Looking at FIG. 5, the thumb plate 29 has a unique design in thatextends and contours covers the flexor pollicis brevis and abductorpollicis brevis muscles of the user. FIG. 5 shows the thumb plate 29extending toward the palm and contours to hug the flexor pollicis brevisand abductor pollicis brevis muscles of the user towards the interiorarea of the palm of the hand. A second extension is located at the topedge portion of plate 29 which extends towards the wrist and partiallyoverlaps the cuff where it is attached using stitching connected withthe plate 29 at holes 32 allowing the contoured bend to flex outwards sothat when the thumb flexes outwards and away from the palm. Plate 29does not bind or inhibit movement nearest the wrist. The thumb plate 29is attached both to the underlying glove by means of sewing pointsdefined in this embodiment by four linearly aligned holes 32 at the topedge portion of plate 29 allowing a thread attachment of the plate 29 tothe underlying glove. Two copper rivets 30 are shown (see also FIG. 4).The top rivet 30 attaches to the underlying strip of material 31 (shownon FIG. 4 as approximately 1″ long) which strip is also connecting withthe backplate 22. The bottom rivet 30 attaches with the underlying glove18. One will note that the presently described embodiment has threecopper rivets located at the thumb area. Two copper rivets are shown onthe thumb plate 29 in FIG. 4. Three are shown on FIG. 6—one being on thebackplate 22 closest to the thumb.

In the preferred embodiment, the three copper rivets (see item 30 onFIGS. 2 and 6) ensure that the plates in high stress areas are keptattached. In the preferred embodiment, the other rivets are made ofsteel with nickel plating to deter corrosion. However, copper rivets arepreferred in the thumb locations shown because they are generallystronger than standard double cap nickel plated rivets and havenon-corrosive properties exceeding that of nickel plated rivets. Use ofthe copper rivet is integral part of the assembly of the thumb assembleas the thumb rivet location takes the most stress during repeated useand movement.

Looking again at FIG. 2, the medial phalange plate (Extended Middle) 26of the thumb, is located between proximate thumb plate 29 and the distalthumb plate 39. The medial phalange plate 26 includes an extended wingportion 40 which serves to wrap the medial phalanges of the thumbtowards the palm to increase protection to the thumb in the event of astrike to this area. The bottom edge of the medial phalange plate 26extends under the top edge of the distal thumb plate 39 and the top edgeof the medial phalange plate 26 extends under the bottom edge of themedial thumb plate 29 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, item 26 so that thethumb may bend properly without exposing the thumb joint (covered by thebottom edge portion of medial phalange plate 26 and the top edge portionof the distal phalange place 39) to possible damage cause by impact. Theplate order and overlapping of plates is integral to the design andprotection in the glove.

Looking at FIG. 4, plate 26 is secured to the underlying glove with onebottom rivet 27 passing thru the plate 26 and through the underlyingmaterial strip 37 and attaching with the underlying glove. A secondrivet 28 attaches plate 26 directly with the underlying strip ofmaterial 37. The underlying strip 37 is attached to plate 29 at thebottom rivet 30 as shown. The strip 37 extends down the thumb to thedistal phalange plate 39 where it is attached to phalange plate 39 andthe underlying glove by the thread anchored from holes 23 and extendingthrough the strip 37 to and attached with the underlying glove. Rivets25 extend from the distal phalange plate 39 through the underlyingmaterial strip 37 to the underlying glove.

Also looking at FIG. 4 showing the thumb plate and strip assembly, theunderlying material strip 31 attaches by copper rivet 30 to theunderlying glove. As shown, rivet 30 extends from the underlying glovethrough hole 38 of the material strip and through the plate 29 where therivet is peened and secured. The attachment of plate 29 with theunderlying strip of material 31 allows the entire assembly to be able topivot independent of the second pivot point located at the top hole ofstrip 31. A second copper rivet 30 extends from the backplate 22 nearthe wrist area to the strip 31 (See FIGS. 6 and 7). As previouslystated, copper rivets are utilized in a preferred embodiment at thethumb plate 29 and backplate 22 attachments to the strip 31 because thisis an area of stress and stronger rivet materials are most appropriateat this location. But alternative attachment means at these attachmentlocations may be utilized as known in the industry.

Looking back at FIG. 5, the medial (main) thumb plate 29 extends towardsthe palm to increase protection to the underside of the thumb. Thisplate has compound curves as shown in the FIG. 5 to allow the plate towrap both towards the palm and also allow for mobility at the wrist.These compound curves allow free movement of the thumb of the user it'svarious potential positions. As previously described, thumb plate 29attaches to the base of the backplate 22 at rivet 30 near the wrist by aseparate underlying strip of material 31. In the embodiment shown, themedial (main) thumb plate is also attached by sewn upholstery threadattached to the thumb plate 29 through holes 32 located linearly alongthe top edge near the wrist area to the base of the thumb and palm areaof the underlying material and glove as described above. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, four holes 32 are utilized for the attachment butalternative embodiments may have fewer.

FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that the thumb plate 29 has two copperrivets. The top copper rivet located nearest the wrist attaches to theunderlying strip of material 31 extending from the thumb plate 29 to theunderside of the backplate 22 where the material 31 is also attached tothe backplate 22 by a single copper rivet 30. Also note that washers 20are sandwiched between the top and bottom layers of the cuff 21 and arespaced in rows and run around the circumference of the cuff from the topedge of the backplate 22 to that portion of cuff extending from thewrist to the forearm. In alternative embodiments, the washers 20 mayonly be located at the top (dorsal) side of the cuff. The washers 20 arefastened with the cuff by use of fasteners which in this embodiment arerivets 19 but which could be other fastener types known in the art. Thewashers 20 as described above, may be made of metal or other hard,durable and not easily breakable material and may be of a variety ofsizes and diameters. The washers are meant to provide additionalprotection to blows at the wrist area and to disperse energy laterallyand away from the user's wrist. In alternative embodiments, the washerscould be replaced with bands or other (non-circular) shaped materials.In alternative embodiments, the washers (or alternative protectivematerials) could extend the entire length of the cuff. In alternativeembodiments, the washers could be fastened to the top surface of thecuff. The three rivets 10 located on the backplate 22 secure thebackplate 22 to the underlying glove. As previously described, acushioning material (such as a layer of ⅛″ closed cell foam) ispositioned between the underside of the backplate 22 and the underlyingglove and the rivets 10 would extend through such material to theunderlying glove. In alternative embodiment, stitching or otherattachment means known in the industry may be utilized to attach thebackplate 22 to the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, theunderlying glove may have padding underneath the top surface of theunderlying glove and the backplate 22 would fasten directly to the topsurface of the underlying glove. In alternative embodiments, thebackplate 22 is made part of the underlying glove in that no underlyingglove material is positioned under the backplate and the backplate restsdirectly on the back of the user's hand or is otherwise secured tocushioning material that sits directly onto the back of the user's hand.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention utilizingalternative threaded attachment means for the protective plates for thefour fingers as shown. In this embodiment, the protective plates thatare attached by heavy waxed upholstery thread threaded through doubleholes in the plates to the underlying strip and underlying glove. FIG. 8shows the locations of attachments which extend to (open holes) andthrough (darkened holes) holes 38 to the underlying glove at the indexfinger. Similar attachments are used for the remaining fingers. As shownin FIGS. 7 and 8, the medial plates 16 of the index finger is attachedto the plate just above it by thread. The two extra holes allow forthread attachment to the underlying strip material. This type ofconnection occurs at the index finger and the pinky finger as shown.These two extra attachment holes replace the rivet 34 shown on FIG. 3which connects to the under material strip at that location.

FIGS. 7 and 9 show the alternative attachment means for the thumbplates. As shown in FIG. 9 the sewn attachment of the thumb plate 29 atthe four holes 32 extend to the underlying strip 31 at location 38 asshown by the arrow. Fingertip sewn attachments extend through the fourholes 23 directly to the fingertip portion of the underlying glove. Inalternative embodiments, fewer holes 23 may be utilized for attachmentat the fingertip attachments. The purpose of the fingertip attachmentsis to insure attachment at the fingertip without use of hard materialsthat might transfer force (and thus injure or pinch) the user's fingertips during combat use.

FIG. 10 is a top side view of the underlying glove with extending cuffwith the material strips 17 (fingers), 37 (thumb), and 31 (wrist)positioned thereon to demonstrate the locations of attachments extendingfrom the plates to the strips which are depicted by open holes and thelocations of attachment extending from the plates through the strips tothe underlying gloves which are depicted by blackened holes. One willnote that the attachment locations are consistent with the attachmentslocations depicted in FIGS. 1-4. The detailed description of the platingand underlying strip attachment locations for the index and pinkyfingers are provided above with regard to FIG. 3. The detaileddescription of the plating and underlying strip attachment locations forthe thumb are provided above with regard to FIG. 4. The middle and ringfinger attachments are depicted in FIG. 10. One will note that thenumber of attachments which run from the plate through the strips to theunderlying glove (blackened holes) are fewer in comparison to the numberof attachments from the plates to the strips. This allows for increasedmobility because the rivet attachments of the plates to the underlyingglove can create unnecessary binding as well as ease of replacement ofthe underlying glove because the assembly of plates can be removed fromthe underlying glove by removing just a few attachments. Further, theplate assemblies including underlying strips can be positioned on theunderlying glove and attached without having to attach the plates one byone onto the underlying glove. The wrist pivot point established byattaching the thumb plate 29 to strip 31 allows plate 29 to move freely.

FIG. 11 is a front side view of the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 1-6 showing how the contours of the various plates 14, 16, 12, 39,and 22 serve to maximize the protection for the users fingers and handwhile also allowing the fingers to curl into a fist or otherwise grasp aweapon. The outward flaring of the medial plates 16 at locations 40allow for maximum protection of the knuckles without affecting theability of the fingers to lay side by side in a curled or closed fistposition.

FIG. 12 is a top side view of a user wearing an embodiment of theinvention as depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and holding a sword. This shows howthe protective plates as described above work to maximize the protectionof the user's hand while allowing the user to grasp a weapon such as asword.

FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram showing a method for making theinvention embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6. Starting with the underlyingglove, a double layered cuff extension is attached to the glove opening.Within the double layers of the cuff extension are fender washers thatare riveted (or otherwise attached) in a pattern around thecircumference of the cuff extension. The cuff extension is attached bysewing of alternative attachment means known in the art.

Beginning at step 1 of FIG. 13, the finger plates are attached to theunderlying glove. Each of the protective plates of the fingers, thumband backplate have attachment holes for rivets and sewn connections aspreviously described above which may be pre-drilled. Corresponding holesare drilled in the underlying strip 17 and underlying glove toaccommodate rivets, the positions of which are described in detail inthe previous figures. Beginning with the fingers, the protective platesmay be attached to the corresponding underlying material strip 17 foreach finger as well as the underlying glove beginning with the fingertipmolded plates 14 serving to protect the distal phalanges and fingertipsof the user. As shown in step 1, plates 14 are attached to theunderlying material strip 17 using two rivets. Thereafter, the knucklephalanges plates 13 (for the middle and ring fingers) and 16 (for theindex and pinky fingers) are connected to the material strip andunderlying glove using rivet attachments as describe above. The bottomedge of each of the knuckle phalange plates 13 and 16 tuck under the topedge of each of the fingertip plates 14. To ensure that a rivetextending from the under glove through the strip and to the plates doesnot pop out, a washer (example 0.50″) may be utilized. This extraattachment washer is akin to a leather patch or circular leather washerthat helps keep the rivet from spreading the hole in the underlyingglove and allow the rive to “pop” out of the glove. The leather washeror patch is positioned between the rivet and the inside of theunderlying leather glove but is not shown in the Fig.

In step 2, each finger proximal phalange plate 12 is connected to theunderlying strip and glove using rivets as previously described. Thearrows on FIG. 13 indicate which rivets extent to the strip 17 and whichgo through the strip 17 to attach with the underlying glove. Once theplates have been attached by rivets, the fingertips of each plate 14 aresewn to the fingertips of the underlying glove using the holes aspreviously shown and described. At step 3, all of the finger plates havebeen attached to each of the four fingers of the underlying glove.

At step 4, the underlying material strips 37 and 32 for the thumb aswell as the plates 39, 26 and 29 as shown on FIG. 4 protecting the thumbare gathered for assembly and the distal thumb phalange plate 39 isattached to the underlying strip 37 using rivets 25. At step 5, phalangeplate 26 is attached to the underlying glove using rivet 27 and thestrip 37 using rivet 28. Note that the bottom edge of plate 26 ispositioned under the top edge of plate 39. Thereafter, the thumb plate29 is attached to the strip and glove using bottom rivet 30 whichextends to the strip 37 and top rivet 30 which extends through strip 31to the underlying glove. Thereafter the fingertips of plate 39 areattached to the thumb fingertip portion of the underlying glove usingthread positioned through holes 23 in plate 39. The top portion of thethumb plate 29 is attached to the underlying glove using threadextending from holes 32 to the glove. At step 6, the finger and thumbprotective plates have been attached.

At step 7, the backplate 22 is attached to the glove as shown. The fourrivets 11 (positioned as shown on FIG. 11 above the top knuckle of eachfinger) are attached and extend from the backplate 22 through the tophole 38 of each corresponding underlying strip 17 to attach thebackplate 22 to each underlying strip 17. Rivets 10 located in themiddle portion of the backplate (as shown in FIG. 6) are attached toextend to the underlying glove (and, in a preferred embodiment, throughpadding to the underlying glove). Rivet 30 located nearest the thumb isattached and extends through material strip 31 to the underlying glove.At step 8, construction of the protective glove is complete. Thisconfiguration allows for easy repair because the pivot point for thethumb is free from the underlying glove and is positioned close to thebackplate for anchoring purposes. This way, if the underlying glove isworn out, the plating and strips can be easily removed from theunderlying glove by detaching just a few rivets and the protectiveassembly can then be reattached to a new underlying glove with having todisassemble the entire protective assembly consisting of plating andunderlying strips.

The present invention has now been described with reference to severalembodiments thereof. The foregoing detailed description and exampleshave been provided for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessarylimitations are to be understood therefrom. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that many changes can be made in the embodimentsdescribed without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, thescope of the present invention should not be limited to assembliesdescribed herein, but only by the assemblies and methods described bythe language of the claims and their equivalents.

1. A protective sport glove comprising: a. A cuff section for protectionof the user's wrist and lower forearm adjacent the user's wrist; b. Anarmored glove section having i. A hand portion protecting the palm andback of the user's hand; ii. The hand portion being integral with 1.Four extending finger portions and
 2. A thumb portion
 3. Each of thefinger and thumb portions connected with the hand portion and extendingaway from the hand portion and closed at the tips iii. A contouredbackplate for protection of the back of the hand between the wrist andthe fingers, the backplate having upper and lower surfaces and a frontand back edge,
 1. The backplate back edge being flared upward and over aseam connecting the glove section to the cuff section
 2. The backplatefront edge extending over the seam between the hand portion and fingerportion of the underlying glove
 3. The backplate attached with handportion of the underlying glove by connection means iv. A padding layerpositioned between the bottom surface of the backplate and the topsurface of the hand portion of the underlying glove v. Each extendingfinger portion having overlapping protective plates including a proximalphalange plate serving to protect the proximal phalange of the user, amedial phalange plate serving to protect the medial phalange of theuser, and a distal phalange plate serving to protect the distalphalanges of the user vi. Each thumb portion having overlappingprotective plates including a thumb plate protecting the base of thethumb where it meets the hand portion, a proximal phalange plate and adistal phalange plate vii. Each finger and thumb portion having anunderlying material strip positioned between the overlapping protectiveplates and the dorsal surface of the underlying glove viii. Theunderlying material strip extending under each of the protective platesat each finger being attached to the underlying glove near the wrist andnear the finger tips ix. One underlying material strip extending underthe protective plates of the thumb and connected to the underlying glovenear the wrist and near the thumb tip x. One underlying material stripextending from the base of the thumb plate laterally toward and underthe backplate, the material strip being attached with the underlyingglove at the base of the thumb and the back of the hand portion xi. Eachof the overlapping protective plates of the fingers and thumb havingtop, bottom and side edges xii. Each of the distal phalange plates ofthe fingers and thumb having holes for anchoring attachment the platesto the underlying material strips and underlying glove at the finger-tipxiii. The overlapping protective plates of the fingers and thumb beingcontoured to extend around the knuckles of the user without inhibitingmobility or ability of the user to maintain a tight hand or fist; xiv.The thumb plate of the thumb portion extending outward and contoured toextend toward the palm and hug the flexor polices brevis and abductorpolices brevis muscles of the user xv. The protective plates of theindex finger at the thumb side edge extending outward and contouredaround the finger to protect the side of the index finger xvi. Theprotective plate of the pinky finger at the outside edge extendingoutward and contoured around the finger to toward the outside edge ofthe hand to protect the bottom side of the pinky finger xvii. Theprotective plates being attached to the underlying material strip andunderlying glove by connection means